|
|
SCORPIONS "Unbreakable"European Import : BMG - MTM003 STOCK STATUS: IN STOCK - ships in 1 day |
|
|
| This German hard rock group was formed by guitarists Rudolf and Michael Schenker in 1971. With Klaus Meine (vocals), Lothar Heinberg (bass) and Wolfgang Dziony (drums), they exploded onto the international heavy rock scene with Lonesome Crow in 1972. This tough and exciting record was characterized by Schenker's distinctive, fiery guitarwork on his Gibson 'Flying V' and Klaus Meine's dramatic vocals. Soon after the album was released, Heinberg, Dziony and Schenker left, the latter joining UFO. Francis Buchholz and Jurgen Rosenthal stepped in on bass and drums, respectively, for the recording of Fly To The Rainbow. Ulrich Roth was recruited as Schenker's replacement in 1974 and Rudy Lenners took over the drumstool from Rosenthal the following year. The following releases, Trance and Virgin Killer, epitomized the Scorpions' new-found confidence and unique style - a fusion of intimidating power-riffs, wailing guitar solos and melodic vocal lines. Produced by Dieter Dierks, the improvements musically were now matched technically. Their reputation began to grow throughout Europe and the Far East, backed up by exhaustive touring. Taken By Force saw Herman Rarebell replace Lenners, with the band branching out into anthemic power-ballads, bolstered by emotive production, for the first time. Although commercially successful, Roth was not happy with this move, and he quit to form Electric Sun following a major tour to support the album. Tokyo Tapes was recorded on this tour and marked the end of the first phase of the band's career. This was a live set featuring renditions of their strongest numbers. Mathias Jabs (ex- Fargo ) was recruited as Roth's replacement, but had to step down temporarily in favour of Michael Schenker, who had just left UFO under acrimonious circumstances. Schenker contributed guitar on three tracks of Lovedrive and toured with them afterwards. He was replaced by Jabs permanently after collapsing on stage during their European tour in 1979. The band had now achieved a stable line-up, and shared the mutual goal of breaking through in the USA. Relentless touring schedules ensued and their albums leaned more and more towards sophisticated, hard-edged melodic rock. Blackout made the US Billboard Top 10, as did the following Love At First Sting which featured 'Still Loving You', an enduring hard rock ballad. World Wide Live was released in 1985, another double live set, but this time only featuring material from the second phase of the band's career. It captured the band at their melodic best, peaking at number 14 in a four-month stay on the US chart. The band took a well-earned break before releasing Savage Amusement in 1988, their first studio album for almost four years. This marked a slight change in emphasis again, adopting a more restrained approach. Nevertheless, it proved a huge success, reaching number 5 in the USA and number 1 throughout Europe. The band switched to Phonogram Records in 1989 and ended their 20-year association with producer Dieter Dierks. Crazy World followed and became their most successful album to date. The politically poignant 'Wind Of Change', lifted as a single, became their first million-seller as it reached the number 1 position in country after country around the world. Produced by Keith Olsen, Crazy World transformed the band's sound, ensuring enormous crossover potential without radically compromising their identity or alienating their original fanbase. Buchholz was sacked in 1992, at which time investigators began to look into the band's accounts for alleged tax evasion. His replacement was classically trained musician Ralph Heickermann, who had previously provided computer programming for Kingdom Come, as well as varied soundtrack work. Heickermann made his debut on a perfunctory 1995 live album, their third such venture. | |
- N.E.H.
Records
7915 Oxford Road, Niwot, CO 80503, USA
Email: mmcpherson@nehrecords.com - TOLL FREE ORDER LINE : 1-888-652-0199
- Phone: (303) 652-0199
- Fax: (303) 652-2279
- | Home | CDs | DVDs | Merchandise | Sale Items | Coming Soon |
|
We
accept the following forms of
payment:
|
Our
shopping cart is fully encrypted
and secured by
|
|
|
|
|
|
|